Bharat has disclosed intentions to establish a new naval base off its southwest coast, near the Maldives, as tensions escalate between New Delhi and the island nation. The Bharatiya Navy revealed on Saturday its proposal to construct a base named INS Jatayu on Minicoy, the southernmost island in the Lakshadweep archipelago. Located approximately 130 kilometers (80 miles) north of the Maldives, Bharat’s Lakshadweep islands are the chosen site for this strategic development. The Navy announced that a comprehensive plan will be unveiled on Wednesday.
The primary objective behind the establishment of INS Jatayu is to enhance the operational reach of the Indian Navy and facilitate efforts against piracy and narcotics trafficking in the Western Arabian Sea. Additionally, the base is expected to bolster the Bharatiya Navy’s role as the primary responder in the region and improve connectivity with the mainland. According to the navy’s statement, this initiative aligns with a broader policy to gradually strengthen security infrastructure on strategically significant islands.
It’s worth noting that Bharat already maintains a naval base in the Lakshadweeps, known as INS Dweeprakshak, situated on Kavaratti Island. However, the decision to build INS Jatayu signifies a concerted effort to further fortify Bharat’s presence in the region.
Tensions between Bharat and the Maldives have been escalating, particularly since the ascension of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu to power last year. Muizzu’s visit to China prior to Bharat and his subsequent statements regarding the sovereignty and integrity of the Maldives have strained relations with New Delhi. Furthermore, derogatory remarks made by three Maldivian deputy ministers about Bharatiya Prime Minister Narendra Modi sparked outrage, leading to their suspension.
In a recent development, Muizzu called for the replacement of Bharatiya military personnel with civilian technical staff who operate humanitarian service planes based in the Maldives. Currently, approximately 75 Bharatiya military personnel are stationed in the Maldives, involved in tasks such as transporting patients from remote islands and conducting sea rescues.
The announcement of the new naval base comes amidst these escalating tensions, indicating Bharat’s strategic response to the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Bharatiya Ocean region. As both countries navigate their diplomatic relations, the establishment of INS Jatayu underscores Bharat’s commitment to safeguarding its interests and strengthening its maritime security posture.
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